REAP Marlborough News
Recent news
Coffee, Cake, and Cellphones
Shona and Kate have teamed up to deliver four FREE sessions for people wanting guidance and support as they learn to use their smartphones. Share afternoon
tea with us and make friends with your phone!
Everyone is welcome at this free event; just bring your fully charged phone along
to learn and practice. Kate and Shona will be there to answer basic cellphone
questions on an individual basis.
Dates: Tuesday, 3rd October
Time: 2 - 3pm
Location: REAP Marlborough (65 Seymour Street, Blenheim)
Please RSVP to Kate: 022 600 3582 / kate@reapmarlborough.co.nz
Archive
Keeping Up With Technology - John's Story
About twenty years ago, John took the opportunity to upskill in computing. Now at 84 years of age, he continues using digital devices in everyday life. John is a keen member of the Totara Tech Club run by Presbyterian Support and recently completed a life story online which he shared with his son and daughters.
“Technology does not frighten me,” says John. His advice to senior learners is to reach out to organisations and services which provide computer tuition for help. For example, while mathematics comes very easily to John, spelling proves more problematic. Tricia, from Totara Tech Club, was able to show him the spell check facility in Word. This made writing his life story easier, as he notes, “These days your phone or computer often fixes any spelling mistakes as you go”.
“John is a great example of a life-long learner,” says Kate Horrey, REAP Marlborough's Coordinator Digital Services. “Even though he says he sometimes finds new technology confusing, as almost everyone does, he is willing to keep going. He is picking up and using technology to suit his lifestyle, and ignoring or stopping the things which aren’t as relevant”.
If you or someone you know could use assistance with technology, check out our Digital/Tech Help page for information and a directory of services.
A huge thank you to Christine Jackson of Kiwi Conveyancing Solutions for sponsoring Waitaria Bay School to get from Havelock to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (and back to Havelock) for their visit in November. It's wonderful that a local business can help one of our more rural schools to bring their tamariki to Blenheim for a day of learning!
If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a local school for an
activity such as this, please contact
REAP Marlborough's CEO, Sharon - sharon@reapmarlborough.co.nz
A student who attends Alternative Education was not getting there until after 9.30am each morning due to having to take his younger siblings to Primary School. Then they were needing to leave by 2.30pm each afternoon to pick them up again as Mum was working before and after school at commercial cleaning jobs.
We spoke with Mum to say that this could not continue, and looked at how REAP Marlborough could help the whānau overcome the barriers to being able to work so that Mum could be there before & after school for the younger tamariki.
Mum expressed an interest in becoming a Barista so she attended a 4 hour workshop ...[continue reading]
We're super proud of Eufrasia for her amazing mahi as a tutor for REAP Marlborough and for inspiring more locals to learn NZ Sign Language!
Read the full story on Marlborough Weekly's website
"Standing at the door, a big smile on her face, Kmart retail assistant Eufrasia Middlemiss-Peneres happily welcomes customers.
A young girl walked in wearing hearing aids and the talented employee immediately switched to sign language.
Their chat was spotted by a fellow customer who posted on social media praising Eufrasia for her efforts - sparking a wave of interest in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)." ...[continue reading]
Congratulations to this group of former refugees from Colombia on completing their Digital Literacy Skills course! It was an honour and a pleasure for the REAP Marlborough team to support these keen learners!